Accutech Rentals of Alberta, Canada helps customers solve tough power quality problems by renting instrumentation and electrical testing equipment to plants, engineering companies and electricians. Many of their customers ask for Fluke and RPM by name.

The technicians at the Mercedes Technical Assistance Center are some of the best in the world - and they rely on the ScopeMeter 199C to capture even the most elusive electronic malfunctions.

This application note relays the unique communications between a Fluke engineer and Robert Kirkman, a civilian employee of the Dept. of the Army Communications and Electronics Command, stationed in Iraq. The LCD screen on Kirkman´s 87III DMM was going black in the 140 degree heat, so he contacted the engineers at Fluke for help.

This Case Study Uses The Fluke 430 Series Handheld Three-phase Power Quality Analyzer To Trace Illegal Neutral To Ground Bonds That Were Contributing To A Remote Hub Failure.

This Application Outlines Basic Power Quality Measurements For Power Conumption, Power Factor, Total Harmonic Distortion, And Voltage Stability, As They All Affect Commercial Lighting Loads. Lighting is a major load for many large facilities. Evaluating these circuits is important for both energy conservation and power quality. Keep in mind that commercial lighting loads are wired single phase, with the loads connected from phase to neutral. Typically, the phase-to-phase voltage is 480 V, with the phase-to-neutral voltage at 277 V. Measurements must be taken at the lighting panel, on all phases, since power consumption and Power Factor could vary on each phase.

A Discussion Of Asds As Both Victim And Culprit Loads, With Details On Power System Resonance And Harmonics Solutions. Covers victim load issues such as capacitor switching transients, voltage distortion and multiple culprit load issues.

On top of being an industrial-quality general-purpose DMM, the Fluke 87V DMM incorporates a unique low pass filter. The filter allows the DMM to deliver accurate drive output measurements - something no other DMM can do.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) considers test instruments and their associated equipment to be an integral part of the PPE electrical system that professionals must use on the job.

Voltage testers divide into two general categories: solenoid-based testers and electronic testers. The thresholds between these two are markedly different, and that carries important implications for safety and convenience.

This application note is exclusive to the FlukePlus program until further notice. Please contact Susan Whitehead in Everett if you have any questions.

This application note is exclusive to the FlukePlus program until further notice. Please contact Susan Whitehead in Everett if you have any questions.

An application note on troubleshooting three-phase electrical motors. This application note is exclusive to the FlukePlus program until further notice. Please contact Susan Whitehead in Everett if you have any questions.

An application note on troubleshooting single phase motors This application note is exclusive to the FlukePlus program until further notice. Please contact Susan Whitehead in Everett if you have any questions.

´Measurement of Adjustable Speed Drives with Fluke Meters.´

"Accurate Low Resistance Measurements."

This App Note describes industrial uses for IR temperature measurements, featuring the Fluke 570 series of IR thermometers (572, 574, and 576) focusing on their benefits when used as part of a predictive maintenance program.

In the highly sensitive environment of a healthcare facility, where both infectious patients and those highly susceptible to infection receive treatment, it is essential to minimize the possibility of infection and disease transmission. This article describes the use of particulate counters to measure the presence of infectious elements in hospitals

This application note was written to provide you with an understanding of the basic principles of fossil fuel heating systems and how to troubleshoot these systems using thermometers, digital multimeters (DMMs), pressure/vacuum modules and other accessories.

This case study investigates why, whenever the emergency power generator was called on to supply energy, its protection circuit breaker would trip.

Over the past several years, indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a much debated and publicized topic, especially as it concerns public health. The EPA estimates that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, and further studies indicate that indoor air in some commercial settings is up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

This case study describes how electrical consultants in Singapore used the Fluke 43B single phase power quality analyzer to trace an air-con system failure to inrush tripping.

Growing a successful infrared program involves planning and action. This document outlines steps that will help you grow your thermography program into a key part of the way your company does business.

By simultaneously datalogging on 3 Fluke 189DMMs and a 123 ScopeMeter, technicians measured and compared the electrical and mechanical loads on a Bascule-type railroad drawbridge through a full operating cycle.

Using the Fluke 43B Power Quality Analyzer and the RPM Power Recorder to maintain pure power for essential medical systems.

Multimeter measurements on adjustable speed drives utilizing the new Fluke 87V DMM Application Note. In the past, motor repair meant dealing with traditional three-phase motor failures that were largely the result of water, dust, grease, failed bearings, misaligned motor shafts, or just plain old age. But motor repair has changed in a big way with the introduction of electronically controlled motors, more commonly referred to as adjustable speed drives (ASDs).

When Emergency Motor Troubleshooting Is Required, Follow The Step By Step Insulation Resistance Measurements Described In This Case Study To Reduce Motor Downtime As Much As Possible.

Indoor air quality is becoming a big enough concern that building maintenance technicians of all stripes are starting to gear up for the challenge. This article provides a basic overview of the IAQ industry and Fluke test tool applications.

How to take accurate low ohms measurements with a Fluke 87 or 187 DMM - and why you´d take those measurements in the first place.

The T5 is a general purpose volts-ohms-amps electrical tester that measures ac and dc voltage, and resistance. Once its stationary open jaws slide around a conductor, the T5 safely measures up to 100 A without clamping the jaws shut or breaking the circuit.

The term precise doesnt fully express the painstaking process control expected on the Sunnyvale, Calif. campus of solid-state manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD). Technicians in clean rooms, wearing white bunny suits and antistatic shoe covers, work at the sub-micron level as they engineer and test AMDs next generation of semiconductor devices. In this demanding environment, the introduction of the tiniest speck of dust could spoil production of the silicon wafers that AMD and its customers depend on. As a member of the AMD Facilities Electrical team, it Mark Chellinos job to make sure that does not happen. And now he has a new tool, the Fluke 87V digital multimeter, to help.

For the last several years, tool users have told Fluke they needed a three phase power quality analyzer to audit and troubleshoot critical power applications in the facility, starting at the service entrance. Fluke´s answer is the 430 Series three phase hand held power quality analyzer.

This Case Study Uses The Fluke 430 Series Handheld Three-phase Power Quality Analyzer To Trace Illegal Neutral To Ground Bonds That Were Contributing To A Remote Hub Failure.

A dramatic improvement in power quality meters, the Fluke 430 series is the first high quality, three-phase tool that electricians can use at the service entrance to investigate power quality problems. These analyzers provide new business opportunities for electricians as well as power quality specialists.

Guidelines to use when installing and maintaining a photovoltaic (PV) system. Typical PV system configurations, potential problems, testing and troubleshooting, appropriate tools.

Use an infrared thermometer and digital multimeter to save energy and money. How to determine how a facility´s energy cost stacks up; energy breakdown by equipment: heating systems, cooling systems, lighting; use of infrared thermometer and digital multimeter; understanding the energy patterns.

Nine-step checklist to help plan a produciton line move, keep it on track, realize the opportunities for replacement and upgrades, and help troubleshoot when the move is done. Includes instrucitons for calculating voltage drop and percentage voltage drop, as well as how to determine voltage unbalance using a multimeter.

Best practices in using the 773 mA tester in field work; beyond the user manual.

Services for everything from the power distribution within the facility to the automated control systems and robotics and automation within the plant: power systems, power quality programmable controllers, data collection systems, networking, and industrial networking.

9 use studies put into single PDF for use in teh nurture tracks.

This discussion focuses on monitoring external and internal conditions of oil-filled transformers. Dry transformers also can exhibit both external or internal connection problems, and external connection problems can be detected as with oil-filled units. Beyond that, dry transformers have coil temperatures so much higher than ambient, it is difficult to detect internal problems before irreparable damage occurs. This application note will tell you what to check, what to look for, what represents a "Red Alert", and follow-up actions you can take to prevent mechanical failure.

The Figge Art Museum, a civic landmark, meets high standards of temperature and humidity control. Achieving ideal temperature and humidity conditions not only safeguards the art, but has paid back in lower energy costs and energy efficiency incentives. Description of temperature and environmental control system implementation and monitoring, and use of temperature humidity meter, infrared thermometer, and industrial multimeter.

Harmonics can impact every type of HVAC equipment. Topics include harmonic currents and the electrical distribution system, troubleshooting, and what to do when you find excessive harmonics. Includes concise guide to measuring and interpreting harmonic numbers.

Ensure that a troubled motor and drive system is getting the high quality power it needs, and that ti´s not adversely affecting power quality systems.This application note Introduces input measurements; describes nominal voltage, current, and frequency; covers voltage and current unbalance, harmonics, and transients.

Infrared thermometry can be used for prcoess monitoring, plant predicitive and preventing maintenance. electrical applications, and quality assurance, and other applications.

Two of the most useful indicators are temperature and vibration. Learn how test tools like the Fluke Ti32 and Fluke 810 vibration tester are available to help measure heat and vibration and even interpret data.

PPE Requirements For Thermal Inspection Explained

Field Applications Case Study: To prevent accidents, rangers on the Pike’s Peak Highway give drivers a helping hand. In summer, five miles downhill from the summit, they stop each vehicle and check their brake temperature with a Fluke 62 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer.

Case Study: Field trial of the 345 PQ clamp meter Electricians are discovering that the new Fluke 345 goes beyond simply monitoring voltage or current. It displays waveforms and harmonics, performs power measurements for power-factor evaluations, measures inrush current, and logs data over time for later analysis.

How Trendplot Works And Suggested Applications TrendPlot is a recording technique available in Fluke instruments, including the 884X Multimeter. It shows the same detailed data as min/max recording, but it is simple to set up and automatically gives you the best time resolution with the available memory. TrendPlot is a form of min/ max recording in which the meter automatically compresses the timescale each time the trend approaches the end of memory.

Substations call for a predictive approach to maintenance because a failure can be costly for end users in terms of lost production and revenues and lead to lower revenues for the utility from lost sales due to unreliable service. Since overheating as well as abnormally cool operating temperatures may signal the degradation of an electrical component, thermal imagers provide the predictive capabilities required for substation and switchgear maintenance.

Nowhere are reliability standards more stringent than for information communication technology (ICT) infrastructures.The service team in particular must ensure that room temperature variation does not exceed +/- 1 degree over the life of the installation. In keeping with predictive maintenance methods, they monitor server room temperature on a regular basis, watching for small fluctuations in system performance that could lead to bigger problems. Using the Fluke 54-II Dual Input thermometer, pipe clamp probes, air probes, and datalogging software, the team tracks temperatures in multiple locations over several days and builds an overall room profile.

In energy audits of homes and other buildings, technicians use blower doors in conjunction with thermal imagers. The blowers create positive or negative pressures within interior envelopes, making leaks much more apparent in thermal images.

When more accuracy is needed, a dedicated measuring instrument like a timer/counter that gives 6- to 12-digit accuracy should be used. Oscilloscopes are also used with timer/counters to show the presence of a signal and show the setting of the counter-like trigger level. This application note describes the verification and calibration of energy meters using a Fluke PM6681 Timer Counter and a ScopeMeter 190 Series.

Above ground tanks and vessels for liquids and gases abound in chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and other process manufacturing. These vessels may be specially lined to store a variety of fluids from potable water to acids designed for mixing, blending, leaching, heating, cooling and oilwater separation processes. By capturing two-dimensional temperature profiles of vessels, thermal imagers can detect temperature differences on the surface that often reveals conditions inside.

Manage energy consumption by tracing usage. The first step in managing energy is understanding ‘how much and when’ energy is being used. To discover that, you need a power logger. The logger captures voltage, current, power, power factor and energy, displays the measurements, and in logging mode stores them over time. Then, using software, you can graph the measurements and highlight times when extreme or unexpected energy consumption is happening. For example, if energy is being consumed at night or at weekends, perhaps the HVAC system needs to be re-programmed? Once you have this kind of power and energy profile, you can highlight potential areas for energy savings.

When it comes to expanding your HVAC business to include indoor air quality (IAQ) analysis and remediation, you´ll want to talk to Rich Prill. Thirty years of experience has qualified Prill as one of the nation´s leading experts in indoor air quality (IAQ). Prill serves as building science and indoor air quality specialist for the Washington State University Extension Energy Program. He spends 80 percent of his time on the road, delivering practical guidance on air quality and energy management issues to school districts, tribes, building operators and private businesses across the West. This application note features some of Rich´s great tips for attaining Indoor Air Quality.

Early in December 2005, an electrician performing a zero energy check on a circuit at the DOE´s Fernald Environmental Management Project, a former nuclear fuel production facility northwest of Cincinnati, was burned by an arc flash. He escaped severe injury, but the incident focused attention on the digital multimeter that failed and caused the accident.

Read how Paul Case, Hanford Electrical Safety Program Coordinator, and veteran of over 30 years in the industry, developed the Hanford Electrical Safety Program following a series of electrical safety incidents in the early 1990s.

Typically, an insulation resistance meter is used for testing motor wiring or electrical distribution systems for fault conditions. Since all insulation degrades over time, insulation resistance meters are helpful for monitoring wiring conditions and scheduling maintenance in advance of failure.

When it comes to static dissipative flooring however, insulation resistance meters are also adept at measuring resistance between two points. Learn how one installation design firm dealt with electrostatic discharge effectively.

Downtime in a hospital is costly, both in terms of patient well-being and monetary costs. Not only can it cost millions in equipment malfunction, but a power quality failure can also idle technicians and surgical teams. Stan Benoit, a CRES Radiology/Oncology Maintenance Supervisor at Geisinger Health System, is responsible for keeping dozens of complex imaging systems at peak performance for five hospital campuses and 31 satellite facilities. Read how he keeps them up and running.

In today´s high tech HVAC environment the best choice is to choose and use only true rms test tools for the best results. True-rms multimeters and other test tools respond accurately to ac voltage values regardless of whether the waveform is linear. Read how HVAC electrical measurements are affected by rms.

Measuring ac and dc voltage and current - you´ve got that. But what about the other features that your DMM has - do you ever use them? Min/Max/Avg is an especially useful but often overlooked aspect of your tool. Learn how to use these to capture a wide range of signal anomalies such as multiple cycle sags or swells, unexpected signal fluctuations, or other types of unattended monitoring of a signal over time.

By using thermal imagers to capture two-dimensional infrared maps of bearing and housing temperatures, technicians can compare current operating temperatures to benchmarks and detect potential failures.

This predictive maintenance case study describes how a paper mill in Wisconsin has integrated a Fluke Thermal Imager into its motor inspection, troubleshooting and maintenance routines.

Many predictive maintenance (PdM) programs use thermography to detect when a gearbox is running hotter than similar gearboxes performing similar work in similar environments. The lifeblood of any gearbox is the oil within it that lubricates the gears. If the oil level in a gearbox gets too low or loses its ability to lubricate, the gearbox will eventually fail, preceded by overheating. That´s where thermal imaging comes in. This application note tells you what to check, what to look for, what represents a "Red Alert", what is the potential cost of failure, and follow up actions you can take to prevent failure from occurring.

As former President Reagan said "Trust, but Verify." Typical thermal images seem to exhibit "x-ray vision" - they show the contents of the container and give quantifiable verification of the material inside. When users apply their knowledge of materials and physics to the thermal differences they see with an imager, they can deduce the level of fluid in the tanks.

Thermal imagers are rapidly becoming more economical and easy to use, but the camera is only as good as the person using it. Take time to examine your processes, understand you materials, and think about how the properties you wish to understand relate to the thermal characteristics. Thermal imagers produce useful maps of equipment and processes, as long as one takes time to understand the language.

An HVAC technician interpreting a thermal image is similar to a doctor interpreting X-Rays or MRI´s. You already have the HVAC knowledge and experience to know what you are looking for. Just add a few facts about the nature of thermal imaging, and you´re home free. By taking our visual sight capabilities beyond the visible spectrum to the radiated heat spectrum, we begin to see predictive qualities that can foretell future likelihoods.

As former President Reagan said "Trust, but Verify." Typical thermal images seem to exhibit "x-ray vision" - they show the contents of the container and give quantifiable verification of the material inside. When users apply their knowledge of materials and physics to the thermal differences they see with an imager, they can deduce the level of fluid in the tanks.

Thermal imagers are rapidly becoming more economical and easy to use, but the camera is only as good as the person using it. Take time to examine your processes, understand you materials, and think about how the properties you wish to understand relate to the thermal characteristics. Thermal imagers produce useful maps of equipment and processes, as long as one takes time to understand the language.

Emissivity: Understanding the difference between apparent and actual infrared temperatures. A thorough explanation of how emissivity and reflectivity affect the temperatures read on thermal cameras.

From the delivery of food items to storage, preparation, interim storage, baking or chilling, cooking, dressing and serving, temperature plays a crucial role throughout the food preparation process. Accurately monitoring temperature is the first line of defense against spoiled food, reducing liability and wastage. As such, a reliable food thermometer is an essential instrument for all scale food preparation. With the FoodPro Plus, kitchen staff are able to read both internal and external temperature quickly, accurately and with greater convenience.

Temperature control is one of the most critical factors in ensuring food quality and safety. Establishments that fail to meet standards may end up in the newspapers

Thermal imaging is especially useful for monitoring low-speed mechanical equipment like conveyors. Overheating signals the impending failure of many different electrical and mechanical conveyor components, from motors, gearboxes, and drives to bearings, shafts, and belts.

At the start of the 2005 - 2006 ski season, the electrical maintenance personnel noted that, as more chair lifts were brought on line, the more overloaded the power filters became. They turned the filters off in an attempt to save the equipment and decrease the noise and smell in the lift houses. Read how they solved their problem with the 41B Power Harmonic Meter

Pressure calibration with the Fluke 718 New design protects on-board pump from fluid damage. Even after draining the process fluid from the calibration port of the device under test, minute amounts of process fluids may often still be lurking behind. In the event these fluids enter the 718 pump cavities, the new pump design enables quick cleaning and maintenance, even in the field.

Though it´s hardly rare, new construction at a major health care facility is anything but "business as usual." A building project can disrupt normal safeguards, create stress and open pathways for infection. When an outpatient cancer care clinic embarked on a six-floor expansion in June 2005, health, safety and infection control professionals worked closely to develop and implement a detailed program to monitor and control airborne particulates using a Fluke 983 Particle Counter.

The complete solution to pressure calibration The Fluke 718 pressure calibrator family (4 models) provide a total pressure calibration solution for transmitters, gauges and switches. This compact pressure calibration solution is about a third of the size of comparable instruments and weighs just one kilogram (two pounds). The unique, easy to clean out access ports built into the pump protect the pump from fluids and provides the ability to service the pump without disassembly.

Using thermal imaging to troubleshoot furnaces and boilers, especially the refractory insulation directly inside a unit´s exterior wall or the insulating linng of vessels handling or conveying molten material.

Application notes for the HVACR technician. IR explained, and various materials listed for reflectivity. The advantages of using IR technology. Helpful information on the emerging IR technological advances in the HVACR field.

This application note demonstrates how quickly a technician is able to pinpoint the source of trouble in an HVAC system by using the Fluke 561 IR Thermometer. This cutting edge technology will save you hours of time by finding the trouble spots quickly, and efficiently.

Because electrical currents generate heat, temperature monitoring is an efficient way to predict potential equipment failure. In one survey of electrical service and maintenance personnel, 100 % of those using infrared thermometers reported preventing thousands of dollars of downtime and repair expenses through detection of hotspots. Learn how they did it with this application note.

This application note explains how to use the 726 to measure non-standard or characterized RTD´s. It covers the basic theory of RTD conversion formulas and shows how to load custom constants into the Fluke 726 using a Windows PC with an RS-232 serial port. (PDF)

The measurement and analysis of in-rush current is a valuable technique in determining a circuit´s parameters. This application note explains the procedures for capturing and analyzing in-rush current with the Fluke ScopeMeter 190 Series.

The trend towards automation to reduce labor content while improving product quality is a strong driving force in the industrial electronics world, especially in process control instrumentation. In this Application Note, several sensors and their use in injection molding machines are discussed.

Worldwide almost one million installed theft prevention systems need to be maintained on location to check interference. This application note describes the procedure for on-site maintenance with a Fluke ScopeMeter test tool. It also discusses the best ScopeMeter test tool for this application and probe selection.

In modern medicine, Magnetic Resonance Imaging or ´MRI´ is one of the techniques used to study the inner structure of a living body on a non-invasive basis. The technique is an application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or NMR which is also used beyond the medical field to study the structure of matter.

Nowadays digital communication systems such as Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) in Europe and the Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) in North America require standard test methods. The electrical signals are tested against the standard ITU pulse masks. The Fluke 199C ScopeMeter offers a standard pass/fail function that can be used to perform these tests. The instrument in capable of storing up to 100

Electrical energy is the driving force of today´s world. It is available almost everywhere you go, and is capable of driving all sorts of equipment from heating and cooking equipment, through motors and ventilators to the PC that this application note is written on.

The applications for an AWG are many, and they span virtually all industries. Any application requiring a stimulus that cannot be supplied by another available standard signal source is a good candidate for an AWG. Designers and test engineers frequently use an AWG in order to simulate worst-case conditions during design verification. An AWG is the ideal tool for degrading or stressing signals as a means of establishing and verifying performance limits.

The pressure is on for electricians and technicians to accomplish tasks that were nonexistent ten years ago. Industrywide, expectations are growing for electricians to know more and do more. To compete, they need training that will guide them down new avenues. Discussion focuses on industries and trends in continuing education for electricians.

When it comes to troubleshooting the unique electrical systems on one-of-a-kind Finch Customs, Ron and electrical specialist Stewart Felix go strictly mainstream. They use the Fluke 88V automotive digital multimeter. Stewart used the 88V to check a current draw on a custom bike and quickly realized that the electrical system would have to be re-engineered to compensate for the load that had been removed. Installing a couple of resistors in the circuit put things back in balance. Stewart also checks tachometer accuracy using the 88V´s ability to measure engine RPMs. If a tach disagrees with the 88V, Stewart will adjust voltage to the tach until it matches the reading on the Fluke 88V.

An Explanation Of Class A Power Quality Standards.

Most facilities have grounded electrical systems so that in the event of a lightning strike or utility overvoltage, current will find a safe path to earth. This application note explains earth/ground principles and safety in more depth and then describes the principle testing methods: 3 and 4 pole Fall-of-Potential testing, Selective testing, Stakeless testing and 2-pole testing.

Shipboard electronics offer precise control from the wheelhouse to the propeller while posing their own set of testing challenges.

Lockout/Tagout procedures specify the steps electricians must follow to remove power from an electrical circuit or panel, and to lock out and tag the panel or circuit, so that no one can re-energize it while work is in progress. This application note is for specialty contractors, such as health inspectors or thermographers, who must work around live electrical panels and should know how to verify whether a circuit is really de-energized.

AC voltage detectors work on the principle of capacitive coupling. This application note explains the theory and provides examples.

Lockout/Tagout procedures specify the steps electricians must follow to remove power from an electrical circuit or panel, and to lock out and tag the panel or circuit, so that no one can re-energize it while work is in progress. This application note is for specialty contractors, such as health inspectors or thermographers, who must work around live electrical panels and should know how to verify whether a circuit is really de-energized.

Voltage detectors are a quick, inexpensive way to check for the presence of live voltage on ac circuits, switches and outlets before working on them. By telling you whether or not a circuit is live before you work on it, voltage detectors provide a critical safety function. However

Many predictive maintenance (PdM) programs use thermography to detect when a gearbox is running hotter than similar gearboxes performing similar work in similar environments. The lifeblood of any gearbox is the oil within it that lubricates the gears. If the oil level in a gearbox gets too low or loses its ability to lubricate, the gearbox will eventually fail, preceded by overheating. That´s where thermal imaging comes in. This application note tells you what to check, what to look for, what represents a "Red Alert", what is the potential cost of failure, and follow up actions you can take to prevent failure from occurring.

Temperature measurement and control is one of the single most significant variables for uniformity across process industries. Given the number of process industries and associated equipment variations, the possibilities for thermal monitoring are endless. Discussion on what to check, what to look for, what represents a "Red Alert," and the potential cost of failure.

Building Restoration Contractors Describe Their Applications For Thermography

Principle HVAC Applications For An Electrical Voltage Tester

The financial payoff from solar depends on a number of factors. Climate, home energy demand, building orientation and local power rates must be factored in. Government policy can be just as important. Many states offer tax advantages and rebates that offset a significant part of the cost of a solar installation, and most have enacted "net metering laws" that require utilities to buy surplus power from small producers. Learn how Sharp Solar is making a difference in rolling back the nation´s dependence on fossil fuels.

Justifying the initial cost of a thermal imager can quickly be proven by figuring in the replacement cost of expensive equipment, should overheating cause a failure. A substation transformer costs about $200,000. A 2000 kVA commercial transformer costs $19,000, and a regulator costs $15,000. Another factor influencing the decision to purchase and provide in-house thermal imaging was the desire to reduce overtime work caused by outages. In a single year, nearly $900,000 was spent in after hours costs to deal with outages at one Wisconsin facility.

If you can use a digital camera, you can learn to operate Fluke thermal imagers.

At the heart of modern electronic devices and many other products are printed circuit boards (PCBs), which have proven to be rugged, reliable, and quickly and inexpensively produced. Thermal imagers provide a powerful set of diagnostic tools for testing PCBs during design and prototyping - and can even help improve manufacturing excellence when used in production, process monitoring and quality assurance applications.

Application note to detail how to measure and troubleshoot compressors, line temperatures, valve pressures and motors. Learn how to spot trouble before it happens, saving you and your client time and money.

This application note was written to provide you with an understanding of the basic principles of fossil fuel heating systems and how to troubleshoot these systems using thermometers, digital multimeters (DMMs), pressure/vacuum modules and other accessories.

Syntech Enerflex, one of the largest electrical and instrumentation open shop contractors in western Canada, has developed a brand new safety program targeted at reducing the likelihood of an arc flash incident and in doing so, is leading the way toward increased awareness of the phenomenon in Canada. This application note details this effort.

Different recording techniques have been developed to look at small changes over relatively long time periods. Many instruments combine several techniques to improve their coverage. We´ll describe the common techniques and some of their pros and cons. By understanding the different techniques. you´ll be better able to choose an appropriate tool for the job at hand.

Profile of Ed Dempsey´s use of the Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimter and 337 Clamp Meter on his racing cars and high-end motors.

Downtime in a hospital is costly, both in terms of patient well-being and monetary costs. Not only can it cost millions in equipment malfunction, but a power quality failure can also idle technicians and surgical teams. Stan Benoit, a CRES Radiology/Oncology Maintenance Supervisor at Geisinger Health System, is responsible for keeping dozens of complex imaging systems at peak performance for five hospital campuses and 31 satellite facilities. Read how he keeps them up and running.

Application note to detail how to measure and troubleshoot compressors, line temperatures, valve pressures and motors. Learn how to spot trouble before it happens, saving you and your client time and money.

More often than perhaps known, the outcome of a calibration procedure can depend on the technician knowing which cables and connectors are appropriate for the calibration setup. Choosing the wrong cables and/or connectors can have a significant impact on the overall uncertainty of the setup or calibration system. If youre new to dc and low frequency ac calibration, its important to understand the impact connectors and cables have on overall measurement uncertainty, as well as the importance of cable maintenance.

Recently, function generators based on direct digital synthesis (DDS) have been developed into arbitrary/function generators with impressive specifications. However, the DDS approach to arbitrary waveform generation imposes serious limitations which are not immediately obvious. The alternative approach of a variable clock architecture offers a greater level of fl exibility and can be used to solve many more real-world problems.

With features like true-rms ac volts and amps, dc volts, microamps, temperature, capacitance, ohms and continuity beeper, the Fluke 902 could become anyone´s "everyday meter."

In today´s high tech HVAC environment the best choice is to choose and use only true rms test tools for the best results. True-rms multimeters and other test tools respond accurately to ac voltage values regardless of whether the waveform is linear. Read how HVAC electrical measurements are affected by rms.

Using an instrument designed principally for European electricians, one Texas electrician saves time by performing loop impedance and insulation resistance testing on old and new electrical circuits.

With dual impedance meters, technicians can safely troubleshoot sensitive electronic or control circuits, as well as circuits that may contain ghost voltages, and can more reliably determine whether voltage is present on a circuit.

This application note describes a new concept with new technology that enables you to take four-wire resistance measurements with just two leads.

This article provides key facts about why school air quality is so important, plus the building blocks to start developing an air quality management plan to help your schools provide a healthy and comfortable indoor environment and minimize risk and liability.

When the Space Shuttle Discovery launched in July 2005, it carried with it a specially modified Fluke 54-II Digital Thermometer and Surface Contact Probe designed for astronauts to use on their spacewalk test-repair of the Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles.

Thermal images are an easy way to identify apparent temperature differences on individual legs of industrial three phase electrical circuits, compared to their normal operating conditions.

When it comes to compressors, many HVAC technicians are adding insulation resistance testing (IRT) to their bag of tricks. An insulation resistance tester supplies ´non destructive´ DC voltages to the windings and insulation points of a motor to measure the current leakage rate. There is no perfect insulator, they all leak. But the question is: How much do they leak and is the insulation leak rate changing through time due to insulation breakdown or contamination?

Several condition-monitoring technologies are useful for monitoring steam systems, including thermography. Thermal images of steam systems reveal the comparative temperatures of system componenets and thereby indicate how effectively and efficiently system components are operating.

By using thermal imagers to capture two-dimensional infrared maps of bearing and housing temperatures, technicians can compare current operating temperatures to benchmarks and detect potential failures.

How To Document Findings In Thermal Reporting Software. When an image reveals a situation that may require repairs, a report should be created describing what the image shows and possibly suggesting a remedy. The report can then be circulated to personnel responsible for equipment reliability, who can investigate the problem further.

Above ground tanks and vessels for liquids and gases abound in chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and other process manufacturing. These vessels may be specially lined to store a variety of fluids from potable water to acids designed for mixing, blending, leaching, heating, cooling and oilwater separation processes. By capturing two-dimensional temperature profiles of vessels, thermal imagers can detect temperature differences on the surface that often reveals conditions inside.

When a pump or motor fails at Sea Wind Cranberry Farm, farm manager Knute Anderssons business is at stake. Thats why Andersson needs an on-call electrician who can provide emergency repair service effectively and efficiently enough to save the berries, sometimes in the middle of the night. Even more importantly, Andersson needs an electrician who can ensure that many of these emergencies dont happen at all through effective predictive maintenance.

Since increases in temperature are associated with nearly all mechanical and electrical failures, thermal imaging and IR thermometry have broad application in PdM programs. Three new products from Fluke take advantage of that fact.

An interview with IUOE building operations engineers in San Francisco, describing their troubleshooting and maintenance procedures. Building engineers are responsible for the operation, maintenance, renovation and repair of all mechanical systems within a facility, from boilers and steam systems to other types of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems; building automation systems; diesel engines, turbines, generators; pumps, piping and compressed gas systems; refrigeration and electrical systems and numerous other functions.

This case study reviews how a power-generation coal plant uses a Fluke Thermal Imager to troubleshoot problems, track critical equipment and follow up repairs after the annual thermal survey.

Connection, insulation and overcurrent protection mechanism failures are at the root of many electrical fires. This application note describes how to use electrical, thermal, and other troubleshooting tools to detect and prevent electrical fires.

This case study describes how an electrical transmission and distribution utility in Singapore uses the Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter for insulation resistance and continuity checks on electrical transmission and distribution cabling.

This case study describes how fire fighters in Whitehorse, Canada are using the dual temperature mode and downloading capabilities of the 52-II contact thermometer in burning buildings for training sessions.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has generated so much awareness that you may want to consider offering IAQ assessments and particulate counts to all of your customers, as an extra service. Before and after particulate counts are also an especially powerful way to support any repair or purchasing recommendations you make with real data. This article describes whats involved in conducting IAQ investigations and how to add the service to your business.

The three-phase analyzers that technicians already use to measure power factor and trend power quality now offer user-settable ratios for displaying readings as if measuring at the primary side of PTs and CTs. They also verify revenue meters. This application note discusses electrical distribution utility applications for a three-phase power quality analyzer.

Several Fluke DMMs, digital thermometers, and process meters can log detailed min/max and event data. Fluke View Forms software makes it possible to download data logged over time, from multiple locations and test tools, and analyze it on your desktop computer. Graphs and reports make it easy to spot intermittents and other problematic events that may not be otherwise traceable. Fluke View Forms reports are also an efficient way to document processes to meet regulatory standards.

This application note is about insulation resistance testing.

Multimeter measurements on adjustable speed drives utilizing the new Fluke 87V DMM Application Note. In the past, motor repair meant dealing with traditional three-phase motor failures that were largely the result of water, dust, grease, failed bearings, misaligned motor shafts, or just plain old age. But motor repair has changed in a big way with the introduction of electronically controlled motors, more commonly referred to as adjustable speed drives (ASDs).

Using Custom Units and User-Entered Values with the 740 Series DPCs.

Troubleshooting process loops

Using a three-step approach, a company is able to cut its energy use. With the right tools and knowledge, your company can follow the same process using your own personnel. Learn how they did it in this application note.

As an electrician, your job can be like that of a radar operator when it comes to detecting the invisible. You have to be able to determine what is real and what is not, and separate what is dangerous from what only appears to be. Now there is a new tool that can help you make those critical decisions—the Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter (DMM).

Acceptable Indoor Air Quality addresses minimum requirements for ventilation and indoor air quality for typical indoor breathing spaces that will be acceptable to occupants. Generally speaking, ventilation rates are selected for contaminant and odor control based on the maximum expected occupant density and activity level. CO2 is an asphyxiant, and at 50,000 ppm CO2 is considered to be an immediate threat to life. Learn how to recognize the levels in your space, and how to correct high CO2 to a safe level.

Air velocity is a key parameter in evaluating airflow system performance. As part of basic testing, adjusting and balancing of HVAC air distribution systems, most HVAC technicians now use an anemometer to measure air velocity at grilles-registers-diffusers, within a duct, or in open spaces. The Fluke 975 AirMeter tool has an accessory velocity probe that uses a thermal anemometer to measure air velocity. This application note describes how to take accurate air volume measurements within a duct, air measurements at grilles-registers-diffusers, and other locations.

Thermography used to be expensive, difficult, and primarily used by large industrial facilities and the military. These days, it´s become much more affordable, easier to use, and more broadly applied. That means your customers have heard of it.

In one pass through a facility, you can usually find at least one component about to fail. This makes for a powerful demonstration and an easy business builder.

Temperature

Air velocity

Volume flow rate

CO2

CO

Relative humidity

Dew point and wet bulb

temperature

Percent outside air

It´s like having an entire toolbox in one hand.

Building on the performance of today´s digital multimetersTo improve performance while using existing technology, engineers must design analog and digital circuits that are "cutting edge" in terms of speed, sensitivity and range. The DMM they use needs to have the appropriate levels of measurement sensitivity and range to do the job. The Fluke 8845/8846A meters meet this need in multiple ways by:

- Increasing the range of each major measurement function beyond what is standard in today´s popular meters.- Volts dc ranges from 100 mV to 1000 V with a max resolution of 100 nV.- Current dc ranges from 100 uA to 10 A with a max resolution of 100 pA. Compared to other popular multimeters, the 8845A/8846A increase the range on both ends of the spectrum - from pico amps to amps.- Resistance ranges from 10 ohm to 1 Gigohm, with a max resolution of 10 uohm. Now engineers can perform a critical low ohms measurement as well as a high impedance measurement with one tool.

Managers of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings are always on the lookout for ways to reduce their cost of operations, including building-up keep expenses and heating and cooling bills.One powerful set of tools that has proven helpful is Fluke´s family of hand held thermal imagers, also known as infrared (IR) imagers or IR cameras.

Thermal imaging or thermography can capture two-dimensional representations of the surface temperatures of parts of buildings, including roofs, walls, doors, windows and construction joints. Often, those images reveal differences in temperatures (Dts) that indicate conditions and inefficiencies contributing to the waste of heated or cooled air and needlessly excessive energy costs.

The Ford Dearborn Stamping Plant has had thermal cameras on site in the past, but had not met the objectives of a successful thermography program. Today, DSP’s thermography program is a model for the rest of Ford, and the program came on line in a matter of weeks.

Application note featuring the Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter. During your day-to-day measurement activities, there may be situations where you need to know more than what voltage or current is present. When that happens, the standard clamp meter isn´t going to get the job done. The solution may be a power quality clamp meter such as the Fluke 345.

Infrared Solutions, Inc., a Fluke Company, has developed a new infrared technology called IR-Fusion™ that blends, pixel for pixel, visible and infrared images on a single display. This article describes the patent-pending, novel, low-cost approach to solving the parallax problem of combining images from separate visible and infrared optics.

Fundamental IAQ/HVAC measurements with the Fluke 975 AirMeter

The 975 gathers ten fundamental IAQ parameters: Temperature, Humidity, Dew Point Temperature, Wet Bulb Temperature, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Air Velocity, Air Volume, and Percentage of Outdoor Air (calculated from temperature or CO2 ).This application note reviews those parameters and the associated functions on the 975. For more detailed information, see other application notes from the Fluke HVAC/IAQ library.

Application note on the importance of understanding specifications when taking indoor air quality measurements and evaluating tools.

These lessons were learned by a ski resort in Colorado after experiencing problems making enough snow with their equipment.

Having the proper test equipment to measure voltage, current harmonics and power factor is paramount to identifying the problem and specifying a solution.

Reactive power (VARS) should be added to the power systems to achieve a unity power factor.

Do not believe everything you hear about a project without proper documentation. Examples: - 1100 horsepower of motor load can´t operate on a 1000 KVA transformer; - Two large motor drives can´t be connected on one large transformer; - Electronic drives can´t operate with harmonic power filters.

The Fluke equipment used by Var+ proved to be the solution to the power needs implemented by this troubleshooting team.

Pressure Calibration

Providence Everett is one of the Pacific Northwest´s premier heart care hospitals. Blanchard and his eight-person team are responsible for keeping its sophisticated medical equipment in perfect running order on several campuses throughout this Western Washington city. It´s a 24X7 job that comes with its own set of headaches. Maintenance and troubleshooting are at the core of this hospital´s approach.

Several Fluke DMMs, digital thermometers, and process meters can log detailed min/max and event data. Fluke View Forms software makes it possible to download data logged over time, from multiple locations and test tools, and analyze it on your desktop computer. Graphs and reports make it easy to spot intermittents and other problematic events that may not be otherwise traceable. Fluke View Forms reports are also an efficient way to document processes to meet regulatory standards.

Fluke tool users and designers discuss the beginnings of fluke digital multimeters and track current development trends.

The CAN (Controller Area Network) 2-wire differential serial bus system cant easily be debugged with protocol analyzers and digital testers. Thats because most of these tools only look at the protocol layers of the bus and they cant even be used until the physical layers are up and running. However, the Fluke ScopeMeter 120 Series allows you to take a detailed look at the actual bus signals to find the real cause of communication problems.

Are your electrical test tools providing all the safety protection you need? The only way to know for sure is to put your tools to the test and keep score. This one page guide to test tool inspection will help you determine if your tools are putting you at greater risk.

Tests earlier this year at Rockwell Automation in Mequon, Wis. showed that a new digital multimeter, the Fluke 87V, cuts through the clutter to read ASD voltage and frequency with precision.

The Minneapolis Airport electrical department maintains a myriad of runway lights mandated by the FAA for safe takeoffs, landings, and taxi maneuvers. Most of these lights run in series circuits and must be regularly checked for insulation degredation. These electricians use the 1520 MegOhmMeter to check leakage to ground and verify new installations.

Hampton Mills, WA relies on Fluke Corporation test equipment to keep their complex system functional, accurate, and dependable. Fluke 87s are their meter of choice and T5 Voltage Testers are used for safety checks.

The prime parameter specified for any electrical system is operating voltage. But that voltage in itself has little meaning if, once applied, it doesn´t result in power.

The key to detecting intermittents is either being present to witness the event, or using a tool that can take regular readings. This article explains how to use the MIN MAX AVG Recording Mode on the 170 series and 180 series DMMs to identify intermittents.

This article explains the basics of calibration - how accurate your meter needs to be, and when it needs to be calibrated.

Startup or inrush current in high efficiency motors can run as high as 11 times the running current compared to 7 or 8 for earlier motors. Installers must be aware of changes to over current protection devices (OCPDS) to support these inrush current devices.

Testing Functions Case Study: When set to Min/Max, the Fluke 116 can lock in on the numbers as they change faster than the naked eye. This allows one to focus on making a safe measurement, instead of directing attention to the readout. The temperature probe of the 116 allows you to diagnose thermal issues.

For more than three years the latest revision of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, has delivered a simple message. To work safely on electrical installations, turn off the power. And if you can’t avoid working on energized systems, put on the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against the hazards of shock and arc flash.

Thermal imaging may be the ticket you need to win new or larger contracts with clients who previously delayed repairs until catastrophe struck. With a thermal imager, the evidence is right there, in color, on screen. Doing the math is easy: Compare the expense of a catastrophic repair to the cost of quick, regular scans by your thermal imager and preventive electro-mechanical repairs, and you should have a convincing argument.

Temperature and vibration send maintenance signls app note - Spanish

Pacific Gas and Electric Company maintains an extensive electrical distribution system. To provide optimum service and limit downtime, PG&E maintains a comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance program

Repairing Faulty Steam Traps Can Bring Huge Savings

ScopeMeter® Test Tool CSV files available for FlukeView® software and Microsoft® Excel® This application note describes how to store and open CSV files using a USB flash drive and the usage of CSV files in Flukeview software and MS Excel. For this study the Fluke ScopeMeter test tool 190 Series II was used and measurements were carried out on the incoming mains (voltage and current) of a Motor & Drive module where Channel A was selected to measure the voltage and Channel B was set-up to measure the current.

ScopeMeter® Test Tool CSV files available for FlukeView® software and Microsoft® Excel® This application note describes how to store and open CSV files using a USB flash drive and the usage of CSV files in Flukeview software and MS Excel. For this study the Fluke ScopeMeter test tool 190 Series II was used and measurements were carried out on the incoming mains (voltage and current) of a Motor & Drive module where Channel A was selected to measure the voltage and Channel B was set-up to measure the current.